Garden design: lawns
Top tips
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Don't try to flatten bumps with a heavy roller. Instead, slice off the turf. Lower the surface by removing some soil and then replace the turf.
- Has constant traffic worn a path over your lawn? Bow to the inevitable and create stepping stones or a proper path to protect the grass.
We Brits are supposed to love our lawns. But you'd never believe it, judging by the sad expanses of clapped-out turf languishing in so many of the nation's gardens. Does your lawn need some serious TLC - or even a total rethink? Follow our tips and we'll set you on the right path to top class grass.
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Fit for purpose
First things first. What do you want to use your lawn for? If you're the kind of gardener that likes to gaze upon a perfect green sward, you'll have to spend a lot of time and money achieving that look. So, there's no point in aspiring to a putting-green lawn if your family's idea of a good time is tearing round after a football. Fine-leaved grasses like Bent and Fescue produce top-quality, high-maintenance lawns. But most families are better off with broad-leaved Meadow Grass or Ryegrass.
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Rescuing an established lawn
Spring is the best time to renovate a lawn. If the area is overgrown, use a strimmer to cut it back to around 5cm. Then mow regularly to a length of 5cm. This way weeds will gradually become shaded out. In autumn, begin a proper maintenance plan (see below). If there are more moss patches, weeds and bare earth than true grass, you're better off starting from scratch.
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Starting from scratch
There are two ways to create an entirely new lawn: grow one from seed or lay turf. Seed is by far the cheapest option but it will be months before you have a fully established lawn. Turf is much quicker but is more labour-intensive in the initial stages. Both methods require a carefully prepared seedbed. Level and weed the area completely and rake the soil until it has a fine, crumbly texture.
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Lawn maintenance
In autumn, mow the grass twice, the second time at right angles to the first. Rake the grass vigorously to remove the "thatch" of dead grass and horizontal stalks. Use a fork to make holes in the lawn. This will aid drainage. Apply an autumn lawn fertiliser. Make sure you rake up fallen leaves. In spring and summer mow the lawn often with the blades on a high setting. You'll get a greener lawn with less weeds.
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